What's brewing in Greater Philadelphia?

Pennsylvania's seemingly bizarre and certainly inconvenient liquor laws have recently been in the spotlight. The state budget pinch has brought about calls to sell the state store system. The Liquor Control Board faced criticism after raids were conducted at several bars and beer distributors around the city. Legislation to loosen restrictions on sales of six- and 12-packs was introduced earlier this year.  Current law prohibits distributors from selling six-packs. Only restaurants and bars are permitted to sell six-packs, and they can sell no more than two six-packs together.

While legislators debate changes and agencies enforce the laws, somewhat astonishingly, breweries are thriving in Pennsylvania. There are 75 around the state; only California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon have more. The Greater Philadelphia region is home to more than 30 breweries and brew pubs, and, according to the Beer Institute, the beer industry in the Greater Philadelphia employs around 6,000 workers generating approximately $130 million in wages. Philadelphia Beer Week, coming up in June, is the largest celebration of its kind, according to promoters. 

In light of Philadelphia's long and distinguished beer history, these facts should come as no surprise. Philadelphia was considered a renowned beer producer  throughout the 18^th century.  Breweries were established as early as the 1680s (perhaps not a coincidence in that the water supply was iffy as industry increased), and in 1840 the first American lager was brewed in the city. Today, the Greater Philadelphia region is holding its own in quantity and quality of locally produced beers, strange six-pack regulations, notwithstanding.  

The Dock Street Brewing Company  holds the title of Philadelphia's first microbrewery, founded in 1985. In honor of the region's prominent role in American history, Philadelphia-based Yards Brewing Company  brews three beers they've dubbed "Ales of the Revolution" using the actual recipes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Chester County is home to Sly Fox in Phoenixville and the Victory Brewing Company , which distributes beer to 28 states that is crafted by their Bavarian-trained brewers.  Brew pubs, which serve food and sell house-brewed beers, dot the region as well from the General Lafayette in Lafayette Hill, to McKenzie Brew House in Chadds Ford, and Earth Bread and Brewery in Mt. Airy.

Beyond the thriving brewery and brew pub scene, businesses are finding creative ways to provide customers with different options in purchasing beer and wine.  Bella Vista Beer Distributers now operates a "beer boutique and gourmet eatery" called Hawthornes across the street from their warehouse that sells six-packs and growlers (beer on tap, to go).  With the cooperation of the state, Jose Garces opened the Garces Trading Company, a gourmet market and café with a state liquor store located inside, where customers can purchase wine to go or to drink in the café.  

This abbreviated list of breweries and other enterprises demonstrates that entrepreneurs can operate successfully within the current regulations. Obviously, there is a significant role for the state in regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages, and it's worth noting that Pennsylvania is one of many states with antiquated and confusing liquor laws. Still, more rational laws not only make sense, but might also allow these enterprises to be more successful, generating more jobs and perhaps even more significantly, increasing Greater Philadelphia's food and beverage destination profile.   

 -- Jennifer Egmont, Project Manager